Latest news with #Nagarjun
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Waging a war on chemicals with an invisible army
SIDDIPET: Industrial agriculture's addiction to monocultures and pesticides has left farms sterile and ecosystems broken. However, in Pedda Masanpally village of Thogutta mandal, an invisible army of microbes is waging war against crop diseases. Led by agricultural officers, this eco-friendly battalion is rewriting the rules of farming, proving that soil health and pest control need not come from a chemical bottle. Speaking to TNIE, agricultural extension officer T Nagarjun says, 'We can enhance crop health by using pheromone traps, sticky traps and light traps to monitor pest populations and assess the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). These tools help identify pest build-up before the infestation causes significant yield loss. Nagarjun has been promoting the use of biocontrol agents and biofertilisers among farmers. Twenty such specimens have been displayed at the Rythu Vedhika, and field demonstrations are being carried out to showcase their benefits. Demonstrations were recently held at the field of Anil Reddy in Pedda Masanpally village of Thogutta mandal, focusing on tomato, chilli and brinjal crops. 'We replaced chemical fertilisers with biofertilisers: Azotobacter for nitrogen, phosphorus-solubilising bacteria for phosphorus, potash-solubilising bacteria for potassium and zinc-solubilising bacteria for zinc. These microbes naturally boost soil fertility and reduce dependence on synthetic inputs,' explains Nagarjun. To control plant diseases, microbial agents such as Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas and Bacillus subtilis were used. These microbes possess antagonistic properties and suppress pathogens either through enzymatic action or antibiotic production, he adds. For managing sucking pests like thrips, whiteflies and jassids, biocontrol fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii and Isaria were employed. To combat caterpillars, borers and leaf miners, the team used Metarhizium and Bacillus thuringiensis. 'We also introduced other biocontrol agents like Nomuraea and Bacillus subtilis, which strengthen the plant's immune system, making it more disease-resistant. This eco-friendly and sustainable approach helps reduce soil and water pollution, preserves beneficial organisms and improves long-term soil health,' mentions Nagarjun. He adds that the response from the farming community has been encouraging. 'These microbial solutions are emerging as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilisers.'
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Sustainable farming: Pests drop to zero in chilli, tomato crops after adoption of biocontrol agents
SIDDIPET In a move aimed at encouraging sustainable farming, Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) of Yellareddypet cluster in Siddipet district T. Nagarjun has introduced biocontrol agents and biofertilisers to promote eco-friendly pest and nutrient management methods. The AEO recently organised demonstrations at Rythu Vedhika and on the field of farmer Ilapuram Anil Reddy in Pedda Masanpally village of Thoguta Mandal. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Nagarjun emphasised that not all pest problems require chemical solutions. 'The overuse of pesticides has not only reduced biodiversity but also led to frequent pest outbreaks due to monoculture practices. Monitoring tools like pheromone, sticky traps, and light traps help detect pest thresholds before crop losses occur,' he said. During the field demonstrations, biocontrol techniques were applied to tomato, chilli, and brinjal crops. Chemical fertilisers were replaced with biofertilisers including Azotobacter (for nitrogen), phosphorus and potash-solubilising bacteria, and zinc-solubilising bacteria — microorganisms that naturally enhance soil fertility and reduce the dependency on synthetic inputs. To control plant diseases, microbial agents such as Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus subtilis were used. These microbes exhibit antagonistic activity by inhibiting plant pathogens through enzymes and antibiotics. For managing sucking pests like thrips, whiteflies, and jassids, farmers employed biopesticides including Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii, and Isaria. Insect pests such as caterpillars, borers, and leaf miners were tackled using Metarhizium and Bacillus thuringiensis. Other beneficial microbes, such as Nomuraea and Bacillus subtilis, were also introduced to bolster plant immunity and resilience. 'These eco-friendly methods reduce pollution, conserve soil biodiversity, and improve long-term soil health,' Mr. Nagarjun said. Farmer Anil Reddy reported significant benefits from the initiative. 'Pests in tomato and chilli crops were eliminated, though a few were still seen in brinjal. The bio-inputs we received from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Medak, helped us save around ₹5,000 on fertilisers and pesticides,' said Mr. Reddy, who cultivates crops on half an acre (20 guntas) of land. He is also using modern farming methods like use of mulching sheets to check the weed in the field and is anticipating a good yield.
